Cattaraugus County Disaster Risk
Cattaraugus County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Moderate
National Percentile
82th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#23
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
90th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Moderate
Higher than 90% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 35% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus faces moderate disaster risk
With a composite risk score of 81.58 and a relatively moderate rating, Cattaraugus County sits above the national average in disaster exposure. While not in the highest tier, its risk profile warrants intentional preparedness across multiple hazard types.
Above average compared to New York
Cattaraugus's 81.58 score exceeds New York's 69.42 state average by a notable margin, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's at-risk counties. This puts it above roughly half of all New York counties.
Higher risk than nearby Allegany
Cattaraugus County's 81.58 score exceeds Allegany County (69.75) to the south but falls below Chautauqua County (84.64) to the west and Broome County (87.47) to the east. The county's position in western New York's flood-prone terrain drives its elevated risk.
Floods are your primary concern
Flood risk stands at 89.92—well above state average—while tornado risk (68.35) and hurricane risk (68.13) present secondary concerns. Cattaraugus's location in a region of rolling terrain and river valleys creates seasonal flood vulnerability.
Secure comprehensive flood coverage
Flood insurance is critical given the 89.92 flood risk; check local flood maps and consider coverage even outside designated flood zones. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and tornado damage, and keep gutters and drainage clear before heavy rain seasons.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cattaraugus County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cattaraugus County
Risk Verdict
With a composite score at the 82th percentile, Cattaraugus County sits above the national median for natural hazard exposure. Proactive preparedness — not reactive response — is key to managing life in one of the country's higher-risk counties; Cattaraugus County residents should plan accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cattaraugus County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 90th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (68th percentile), earthquake (35th percentile), wildfire (35th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 90th percentile nationally, Cattaraugus County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Alongside flooding, tornado exposure at the 68th percentile means households benefit from a multi-hazard preparedness plan rather than focusing on flood alone. Registering for Cattaraugus County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
At 12.2 points above the New York state average, Cattaraugus County carries meaningfully higher natural disaster exposure than a typical New York county.
Is your household prepared for Cattaraugus County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cattaraugus County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Cattaraugus County?
How does Cattaraugus County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Cattaraugus County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cattaraugus County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.